Marisa Garcia Qatar Airways has announced that it will loan laptops to Business Class passengers on flights to the U.S. affected by the recent electronics ban.
The airline will also supply customers with USBs to download their work from their own equipment prior to boarding so that they can continue to work seamlessly on projects they have started at the airport terminal.
Business Class passengers also have complimentary Wi-Fi access on all Qatar Airways flights.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said; “As an award-winning and global airline we truly appreciate the importance of being able to work on board our aircraft and that is why I have insisted on offering only the best possible solution for our customers. By providing this laptop loan service we can ensure that our passengers on flights to the US can continue to work whilst onboard. This unique ability to offer ‘business as usual,’ above and beyond the competition, is yet another example of Qatar Airways justification for being the ‘World’s Best Business Class.’”
“Whilst other airlines have relied on their existing on board offering to comfort passengers we have not rested until we could offer a true solution to our passengers. Our constant innovation and ability to react to changes in the industry is something I am very proud of. The launch of Qsuite, our new business class product just this month, and other announcements soon to come, are testament to our ongoing passion for providing the absolute best for our customers.”
The new laptop loaner program begins on Qatar Airways flights next week and can be collected after boarding the aircraft. Qatar Airways offers a special service at the gate for all passengers collecting and securely packaging electronic items prohibited by the new ban. Customers’ electronics items are tagged, loaded as check-in baggage, and returned safely to the customer on arrival to the US.
The airline has also considered the productivity needs of passengers travelling in the main cabin by offering a free hour of in-flight Wi-Fi on board US-bound flights and a special Wi-Fi package of US$5 to stay connected for the duration of the flight.
Though smartphones will be the only device many can bring onboard, they can take advantage of this special Wi-Fi offer to stay connected and entertained.
With the right smartphone apps, customers can actually get a lot of work done, even without a laptop.
For passengers who prefer to relax and be entertained onboard, Qatar Airways offers have over 3,000 entertainment options on its award-winning Oryx in-flight entertainment system.
The airline keeps little ones busy onboard with dedicated kids activity packs produced through a special brand partnership with Hasbro.
Adults can enjoy luxury amenity kits, a seasonal menu and snack bar, as well as on-board magazines and newspapers. And, of course, Business class passengers can just enjoy the lie-flat beds and rest up so they can get plenty of work done after landing.
Etihad Airways Tablet Loaner Program
Etihad Airways announced a tablet loaner program yesterday, offering passengers on flights from Abu Dhabi to the U.S. another alternative to get work done.
From 2 April 2017 the airline will offer First and Business Class guests free Wi-Fi and iPads. Power and USB sockets at every seat will keep devices charged throughout the journey.
Premium Class guests on Etihad Airways flights to the US will receive Wi-Fi vouchers from cabin crew for free Wi-Fi for the duration of the flight.
Well done, both!
Read also:
Airlines Affected by the Electronics Ban Should Consider Onboard Loaner Laptops
Fly Lemonade: Turning Electronics Ban Into a Sweet Brand Opportunity
I won’t say that these airlines decided to address the electronics ban challenge with loaner laptops and iPads because they read FlightChic. But I will say that if you’re missing the industry-focused weekly FlightChic 7-Layer News Wrap, you’re missing a lot.
[…] and their customers. To reduce some of the inconvenience, airlines are offering premium customers loaner laptops and […]